Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study: Some catalysts contribute their own oxygen for reactions

Researchers at MIT have found that some catalysts produce oxygen from within their crystal structure, contrary to previous assumptions. The study's findings could help fine-tune metal-oxide catalysts for enhanced energy storage processes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2017

UNC Catalyst initiative aims to create, share tools to fight rare diseases

The UNC Catalyst initiative aims to create and share research tools to study rare diseases, addressing the lack of resources and expertise in this area. The partnership with Genetic Alliance and Structural Genomics Consortium will provide researchers with access to necessary tools and talent to accelerate solutions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateJan 5, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Green chemistry: Au naturel catalyst mimics nature to break tenacious carbon-hydrogen bond

Researchers at Southern Methodist University have discovered a new catalyst that can efficiently break the tough molecular bond between carbon and hydrogen. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner, easier, and cheaper way to derive products from petroleum, with copper-based catalysts showing great promise in oxidizing C-H bonds.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 4, 2017

Light powers new chemistry for old enzymes

Princeton researchers have discovered a method to expand enzyme reactivity through light activation, allowing access to high selectivities. They successfully catalyzed non-natural reactions, including dehalogenation reactions, by irradiating enzymes with light.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 2016

Closer ties for silver clusters

Researchers at KAUST have developed a simpler way to assemble silver nanoclusters, opening up new opportunities for catalysis and opto-electronics. The clusters can be modified with atom-by-atom control, allowing their properties to be tailored for specific applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 20, 2016

Safe and inexpensive hydrogen production as a future energy source

Osaka University researchers have developed a catalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen from organosilanes at room temperature without additional energy input. The catalyst, composed of gold nanoparticles supported on hydroxyapatite, demonstrated high turnover frequency and recyclability.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2016

New carbenoid species yields unexpected reactivity

Researchers at ICIQ have designed a new strategy for stereoconvergent preparation of trans-cyclopropanes from E/Z alkene mixtures. The 'radical carbenoid' method uses diiodomethane as a commercially available and easy-to-handle reagent.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 19, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Carbon dots dash toward 'green' recycling role

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple way to recycle waste carbon dioxide into valuable fuel using nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots. The dots proved nearly as efficient as copper in converting CO2 into small batches of ethylene and ethanol, with the ability to keep their catalytic activity for a long time.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The hidden side of sulfur

A research team at the University of Geneva has discovered that sulfur can act as an effective catalyst, transforming molecules with greater precision than hydrogen. This breakthrough enables chemists to exercise increased control over molecular transformations, paving the way for the creation of new materials and applications.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 14, 2016

Chemists uncover a means to control catalytic reactions

Researchers found that the position of a molecule on a catalytic surface determines the rate of bond breaking. They observed a 100-fold difference in reactivity between bonds aligned along rows and across rows of copper atoms. The discovery could lead to more selective and efficient catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2016

Closing the carbon loop

A new catalyst developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has the potential to solve two problems at once - reducing net carbon dioxide emissions while generating cleaner fuels. The catalyst, which converts CO2 into methanol, could dramatically reduce the cost of carbon capture and conversion.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 7, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Stereochemistry: Self-amplifying selectivity

Researchers have developed a catalyst that flexibly molds reaction product handedness, ensuring correct enantiomeric form. The system's self-amplifying action enhances stereoselectivity with each cycle, holding promise for biologically active compounds and new insights into biological systems.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 5, 2016

New process produces hydrogen at much lower temperature

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a new method for producing hydrogen, achieving temperatures as low as 150~200°C. This innovation reduces energy input and extends catalyst life, making it suitable for widespread use in fuel cell systems.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 1, 2016

Bringing silicon to life

Researchers at Caltech use directed evolution to persuade bacteria to create silicon-carbon bonds, which are found in pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and computer screens. The new process has the potential to be more environmentally friendly and less expensive than current methods.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bringing carbon-silicon bonds to life

Researchers successfully created a catalyst that efficiently forms carbon-silicon bonds, which were previously thought impossible. The breakthrough enables the production of a wide range of silicon products.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2016

Scientists trace 'poisoning' in chemical reactions to the atomic scale

Researchers used a combination of measurements to gather detailed information on problematic carbon-based deposits in catalysts, known as coke. They found that uneven distribution of aluminum in zeolite catalysts caused coke buildup, which blocks chemical reactions vital to fuel production and other processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2016

Rapid synthesis towards optically active α-aminocarbonyl therapeutics

A team of organic chemists developed a new reaction to directly install amines into carbonyl compounds, resulting in the rapid formation of optically active α-aminocarbonyls. This method enables access to chiral α-aminocarbonyls from readily available carbonyl compounds and hydroxylamines.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalChem·DateNov 22, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

UNIST researchers turn waste gas into road-ready diesel fuel

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have created a new delafossite-based catalyst that converts CO2 into liquid hydrocarbon-based fuels, including diesel. This breakthrough process removes harmful CO2 from the atmosphere and offers a potential solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateNov 18, 2016

A novel catalyst design opens possibility to hydrogen vehicle

A novel Fe-N/C catalyst with a silica-protective-layer approach has shown high oxygen reduction reaction activity comparable to platinum-based catalysts. The research paves the way for the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 18, 2016

Implantable catalyst against cancer

Researchers have developed a biocompatible heterogeneous copper catalyst that can assemble building blocks in a living system, enabling the creation of anti-tumor drugs. The catalyst was tested in biological systems and found to be effective in stopping cell growth and initiating programmed cell death.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 15, 2016

Catalyzing excellence

Dr. Wachs' research aims to identify fundamental structure-activity/selectivity relationships for catalysts, guiding the design of advanced catalysts. His team explores direct conversion of natural gas into liquid fuels without oxidizing reagents, offering a promising solution to overcome stranded gas.

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 14, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New In-Situ Combustion advancements researched by Kazan University

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have achieved a significant breakthrough in in-situ combustion, increasing the combustion front speed by 10 times. The team has also developed a new understanding of catalysts' work mechanisms, making them more stable and efficient.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateNov 9, 2016

Brookhaven Lab wins 3 2016 R&D 100 Awards

The US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory has received three 2016 R&D 100 Awards for its innovative technologies in microscopy, catalysis, and nanomaterials. The lab's custom-built x-ray microscope has advanced imaging capabilities, while the MoSoy Catalyst produces hydrogen in an environmentally friendly way.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 8, 2016

Improved water splitting advances renewable energy conversion

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen from water, a crucial step in making renewable energy production and storage viable. The catalyst, made from low-cost materials, outperforms precious metal-based catalysts used today.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 25, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Non-metal catalyst splits hydrogen molecule

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new non-metal catalyst that can split the hydrogen molecule under mild conditions. The process requires only an electron source and has potential applications in energy production, chemical synthesis, and the semiconductor industry.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 21, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Artificial enzyme for asymmetric synthesis using a synthetic chiral polymer

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a novel synthetic method to create chiral polymers containing cinchona sulfonamide repeating units. These polymers showed high catalytic activity in asymmetric reactions, enabling the enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclic anhydrides.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 14, 2016

Finding needles in chemical haystacks

A team of chemists has developed a process to identify new catalysts for synthesizing drugs more efficiently and cheaply. By examining libraries of drugs, they found highly effective ligands that can improve reactions beyond those reported nearly four years ago.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 14, 2016

Nano-spike catalysts convert carbon dioxide directly into ethanol

Researchers at ORNL developed a nanoscale catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol with high selectivity. The process uses low-cost materials and operates at room temperature in water, making it suitable for industrially relevant applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemistrySelect·DateOct 12, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Catalyst from the microwave

Researchers develop new microwave-assisted thermolysis method to produce highly crystalline g-C(3)N(3) catalysts with remarkably few defects. This results in improved photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation from sunlight.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 11, 2016

Novel method creates important industrial chemicals simply, cheaply

A new method for creating industrial chemicals has been developed by researchers at Washington State University, potentially lowering production costs and energy requirements. The Fischer-Tropsch process is used to produce alcohols and aldehydes, which can be used as fuel additives and feedstock for various industries.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Advancing lithium-air batteries with development of novel catalyst

A new study developed a mixed metal catalyst that enables both charge and discharge reactions in lithium-air batteries, overcoming key barriers to their development. This breakthrough offers opportunities for future research and potential applications in sustainable energy storage.

SourceThe Electrochemical Society·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateOct 3, 2016

Researchers discover more efficient way to split water, produce hydrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Houston has reported a more efficient catalyst for producing hydrogen gas by splitting water. The new hybrid catalyst requires significantly less energy than existing methods, making it a promising alternative to traditional platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Nanocatalysis for organic chemistry

Nanocatalysts display significant catalytic capability due to increased surface area and multiple catalytic centers. They play a crucial role in enhancing yield and TON in specific chemical products, including chemo-selective and coupling reactions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2016

Fresh outlook on the photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide

A critical review article discusses the issues and prospects of photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide, highlighting the lack of a standard procedure as a major bottleneck. Recent advances in this field are also detailed, providing insights into the ongoing research.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Catalysis·DateAug 17, 2016

Researchers watch catalysts at work

Physicists watched a silver catalyst at work using an atomic force microscope, calculating energy turnover and optimizing catalysis. The Ullmann reaction was observed at atomic resolution, revealing unusual spatial arrangements of intermediate products.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalSmall·DateAug 17, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Simulating complex catalysts key to making cheap, powerful fuel cells

Researchers used advanced computational methods to demystify complex catalytic chemistry in fuel cells, bringing cost-effective alternatives closer to reality. The study reveals that water plays a huge role in dictating which hydrogen atom breaks free from methanol first.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 9, 2016

Using nanotechnology to give fuel cells more oomph

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a new nanofiber mat technology that increases fuel cell power output by 30 percent while reducing costs and improving durability. The technology is part of a $13 million DOE program to advance fuel cell performance and hydrogen storage technologies.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateAug 8, 2016

Argonne discovery yields self-healing diamond-like carbon

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a self-healing diamond-like carbon film generated by an automotive engine's heat and pressure. The tribofilm reduces friction by 25-40% and wear to unmeasurable values, enabling more efficient and reliable engines.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2016

UWM researchers' work in catalysis could aid drug development

Researchers at UWM create a solid chiral catalyst that preferentially forms one enantiomer of a molecule, addressing the issue of inconsistent handedness in pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough could lead to safer and more effective medications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Proton pinball on the catalyst

Research by Stefano Fabris and colleagues reveals that moisture boosts the efficiency of a catalyst in fuel cells by creating a 'proton pinball game' that facilitates molecular transport. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient fuel cell designs.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 2, 2016

Iron catalysts can modify amino acids, peptides to create new drug candidates

Researchers have developed iron catalysts that can diversify chiral amino acids into 21 different structures while preserving their handedness. This technology allows for the creation of modified peptides or entirely new structures, expanding the pool of unnatural chiral amino acids available to researchers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2016

Breakthrough solar cell captures CO2 and sunlight, produces burnable fuel

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a solar cell that captures CO2 and sunlight to produce hydrocarbon fuel. The 'artificial leaf' technology solves two crucial problems simultaneously by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into fuel, making it a game-changer for energy production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2016

New catalyst for hydrogen production

Researchers have found a new, sustainable catalyst for hydrogen production in the form of pentlandite, a mineral composed of iron, nickel, and sulfur. The study shows that artificial pentlandite produces hydrogen more efficiently than naturally occurring variants, with stable performance and a high active surface area.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Hot electrons detected at solid-liquid interfaces

The IBS team successfully detected hot electrons in a liquid interface, expanding the possibilities for catalytic reactions. This breakthrough may lead to highly efficient devices for applications such as fuel cells and artificial photosynthesis.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 13, 2016

Spying on chemistry in real-time

Scientists at the University of Bath will monitor chemical reactions in real-time with a new £1.3 million facility. This allows researchers to develop more efficient catalysts for producing hydrogen fuel and synthesizing paracetamol from waste citrus fruit.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJul 11, 2016

Researchers improve catalyst efficiency for clean industries

Researchers have developed a unique approach to trapping platinum atoms, reducing the need for expensive platinum in chemical reactions. The new method uses cerium oxide to create nano-scale traps that keep platinum atoms stable, improving catalyst efficiency and performance.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience·DateJul 7, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

One reaction, two results, zero waste

Two researchers have discovered a single-step chemical process that creates both alcohols and esters without generating any waste or using harmful reagents. The process is more straightforward and simpler than existing methods, offering an economical and sustainable alternative for industrial applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 6, 2016

From climate killer to fuels and polymers

Researchers have discovered a highly selective catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into ethylene, producing more ethylene and fewer unwanted side products. The catalyst, made from plasma-treated copper, offers new possibilities for designing nanoscale catalysts with specific activity and selectivity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2016